2003 GMC Sonoma: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 39 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is latches/locks/linkages (13% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 2004
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 39 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The vehicle is kept in a garage and when outside I use a screen protector. The dash and many other interior parts of the car are simply falling apart”Owner report · Seats · Mar 2020
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 gmc sonoma. While driving approximately 55 mph, the air bag light illuminated on and off without warning. The failure recurred and was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 81,000.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jun 2016
“While driving the truck the brakes failed, pedal going to the floor. Took the truck to a repair shop and they stated that all the brake lines were rusted through, and more importantly, where the leaf springs attached to the underside of the car was completely rusted and the truck was unsafe to drive. The shop could not repair the car, and knew no one locally who could repair the car. There have been numerous rust issues with the truck over the years as follows: spare tire mounting rusted through and the spare tire flew off the truck in traffic; the fuel line had to be replaced twice due to rust; and the rear brakes rusted and had to be replaced three times.”Owner report · Suspension · Sep 2015
Show 7 more owner reports
“About a year ago had one steel brake linbe bust because of rusted. Now today in my yard hit brake pedal right to floor again. Rusted brake line again. Have other brake lines rusted very bad. *tt”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Aug 2013
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 gmc sonoma. The contact stated while he drove 73 mph the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to coast onto the emergency lane. The local mechanic performed a diagnostic test and was unable to locate a failure code. The vehicle was taken to a second dealership for additional inspection that advised that the spark plug and the fuel cap needed to be replaced. The spark plug and fuel cap was replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 92,984. Updated 07/28/14 ma updated 07/29/14”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jun 2013
“2003 gmc sonoma. Consumer states while driving the support cable holding the spare tire rusted through and the tire fell off, rolled down the road and hit another car *tgw the consumer stated no damage was done and the police were not notified. *jb”Owner report · Tires · Oct 2011
“There are 4 latches on 2003 gmc sonoma truck and three impact personal safety. Tailgate does not as person does not ride in truck bed. The passenger door latches are metal. The side door latch is plastic and broke and has been replaced twice.both time same defect. In emergency if person in jump seat can't get out due to defective door latch. Fourth latch is seat reclines via latch. Handle has broke. If seat reclines person in jump seat has trouble exiting vehicle. If seat is in recline person cannot operate vehicle safely. Latches are plastic. *tr”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Oct 2010
“Driving over a speed bump I heard my spare tire hit the ground with the support cable and other metal pieces. Looked under the truck and found that the cable just snap. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Aug 2010
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 gmc sonoma. While driving approximately 45 mph the "check engine" warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for inspection. The technician stated the failure was contributed to the fuel system; tank assembly filler pipe. The repair was performed on the vehicle at the cost of $1,959.00. The failure mileage was 54,348. The current mileage was 50,352. Updated 11/17/09 *bf the dealer discovered road salt had eaten around the fuel module. The fuel tank was replaced and the fuel pump was warped. Updated 11/1/8/09”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Oct 2009
“Tl*the contact owns a 2003 gmc sonoma. The contact stated that the defroster failed in the vehicle. The dealer stated that they needed a new havac control head, three mode actuators, and the storage tank and switch line needed to be flushed out. The current mileage was 102,000 and failure mileage was 100,000. Updated 12/17/08. *lj updated 12/18/08. *jb”Owner report · Visibility · Oct 2008
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION."
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH CORRECT LABELS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 4, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
How other years compare
Check your exact Sonoma by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2003 GMC Sonoma reliable?
NHTSA has 39 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2003 GMC Sonoma. The most complained-about area is latches/locks/linkages (13% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2003 GMC Sonoma problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 45,000 miles or less.
Does the 2003 GMC Sonoma have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning equipment:other:labels. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.